Top 10 challenges of doing business in China

Disclaimer: This article was accurate at the time of publishing. To obtain the most up-to-date information, please get in touch with our local experts.

China’s rise as a consumer economy has long been suspected, but recent figures have confirmed that the once export-orientated powerhouse is now much more internally focussed, creating ample opportunities for companies looking to expand abroad.

Official figures recently revealed that China had been pushed into deficit in the month of March 2013, although there was still a surplus of near US$270bn for the year. The results confirmed what many analysts had long hoped for; that the country’s future growth would be less dependant on exports and that the new leaders are focused on delivering sustainable, quality growth, which is a welcome change from the growth-at-all-costs approach of the past.

The effect of increased wealth and consumer spend in China is already being felt around the world, with recent tourism numbers showing that visitors from the country spend more than any other country in the world with a record $102 billion shelled out on the road. For growing companies with overseas aspirations, China seems like the perfect destination for expansion. But with lengthy bureaucratic procedures and an unfamiliar consumer environment awaiting those who try, having local advisors on hand to help navigate the complex market is crucial.

As the economy continues to grow (expected to expand by 8.2% this year), we assess some of the main difficulties encountered by overseas firms doing business in China.

Market accessLocal distribution networks, buying habits of local consumers and regulatory requirements can make China a very difficult market to access. What’s more, the market environment is completely detached from most other economies in the world, making it difficult to take the first steps. It is estimated that 37% of products that pass for the US market fail in the China market.

Consumer preferenceThere has been a sizeable class shift in China over the past few decades, and the consumer environment is far more diverse than it once was. It is also completely detached from markets elsewhere in the world, and many companies have sunk in China because they failed to take into account consumer preference.

BureaucracyOverseas firms often struggle with laws and regulations in China, with 31% of 338 respondents in a recent business survey listing bureaucracy as their number one concern when expanding into the country. Most common complaints revolve around obtaining the required licenses and permits, with many respondents bemoaning the laborious processes.

Governmental challengesTransparency of government procedure and corruption are chief concerns of companies moving into China, although as the new leadership is ushered in, this is likely to change. The citizens of China need to believe the government’s decisions serve their interests, and there is a growing risk that the Party leaders increasingly are viewed as clinging to power in order to enrich themselves.
Standards and conformity assessment

Rules stating how products are designed, manufactured, sold, used and disposed of exist in China which all products must comply with before entering the market. This can be a very foreign procedure to many companies, and can impact the appeal of the country.

Intellectual property Intellectual property rights is an area that has been notoriously difficult in China, although recent reports suggest this is an area that is improving the most. Gary Locke, America's ambassador to China, recently said that “for every foreign company calling for stronger IP protection, there are more Chinese companies calling for the same,” suggesting that progress is occurring.

CompetitionMany Chinese companies are looking to improve the quality of their products and services so they can sell them abroad, which has increased competition as a result. Additionally, consumers can, in some cases, give preference to native companies over those from abroad. The government can also give preference to domestic firms, which makes disrupting the market rather difficult.

Labour
The US-China Business Council recently published a report that showed 62% of respondents said that they had increased wages by 5% to 10%. Eight percent of respondents had hiked them more than 15%. This was the area that concerned respondents the most on the whole survey.

Human resourcesHuman resources remains a number one task for Chinese companies, with the demand for trained, professional labour still outstriping supply. Companies therefore find it hard to keep hold of their best staff, as some job changes can mean salary increases of up to 30%.

AdministrationAdministration, licensing, product approvals and many more laborious operating task can leave managerial desks flooded in paperwork. For many firms, overcoming the bureaucratic hassle is the biggest task to successfully breaking the Chinese market.

TMF GroupWe have the local knowledge to help you navigate these minefields. Whether you want to set up in China or just want to streamline your Chinese operations, talk to us.